Marmot Lightstream

Our take What to wear when it’s too warm for a beefy softshell and a wispy windshell isn’t enough? This light, ultrabreathable jacket, which hit the spot on sunny, windy days. The thin layer shielded us from ridgeline gusts, but remained comfortable enough to keep on as sun protection while crossing snowfields, even when temps crept into the low 70s. The 86-percent polyester/14-percent elastane fabric is in Marmot’s M3 category, its most breathable but least water-repellent class. Translation: Anything more than a sprinkle soaks right in.

The details Four-way stretch and an articulated shoulder design maximize freedom of movement, even though the cut is trim. Features-wise, you get a hood (not helmet-compatible) with a small brim, two hand pockets and one chest pocket, and an elastic hem and cuffs.

Trail cred “I had to hustle up 4,500 feet on New Zealand’s Isthmus Peak, but the breathability was good enough that I didn’t turn into a stinky mess,” says our tester. “And the front zip swings way out in front of your chin. That creates a nice little pocket of space to hide from the wind, and keeps the fabric from chafing your face.”